Coffee Talk

To help you head into the new year with one less thing on your to-do list, we have opened the next round of The Arboretum Network with an extended holiday opt-in window. Our focus for this round is year-end Reporting.Whether you want to compare notes on your yearly wrap up deck, find a mentor to help you navigate performance reviews or just connect with peers who understand exactly what your workload looks like right now, The Arboretum Network is the place to do it. Think of this as a gift to your future self—a support system waiting for you in January so you don't have to face reporting season alone.How it works this round:Opt in now to secure your spot for Peer Connect, Mentorship, or Sprout User Connect. Focus on closing out the year and taking whatever downtime you can grab. Check your inbox on January 5th to meet your new match.

Hey Everyone!We have all survived the year-end reporting marathon and the "what is the 2026 plan?" messages from leadership. But let’s be real—staring at a blank strategy deck while trying to remember which 2025 trends actually moved the needle is a lot to handle alone.Instead of spiraling in your own data, come talk it out. The Arboretum Network is officially open for a new round of pairings to help you turn last year's lessons into this year's growth. Whether you want a quick 1:1 vibe check or a small group brainstorm to pressure-test your big bets, we have a spot for you.How it works this round:Opt in now until January 26th to secure your spot for Peer Connect, Peer Group, or Sprout User Connect. Check your inbox on January 29th to meet your new match.  Peer ConnectA 1:1 strategy swap

Welcome to The Arboretum Network thread. Since we only open matching for a short window during the third week of every month, you might have arrived while our doors are temporarily closed. If that’s the case, don’t worry—we’d still love to get you in the mix for the next round.Social moves quickly and sometimes the best way to keep up is to connect with someone who speaks your language. Whether you want to geek out over analytics, find a mentor or just navigate the latest platform changes with a peer who gets it, this program is designed to help you build those meaningful relationships.Don’t miss the next window! If the opt-in period is currently closed, simply fill out the short form below. We will make sure you get a reminder email the moment we open up for next month’s session so you can secure your spot.

Ready to reclaim some time in your day?This month's networking round is all about automation and workflow efficiency. We're exploring how to tackle those repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and free up more time for high-impact work. Whether you're an automation pro or just starting to explore, connecting with fellow members is the best way to share what's working and troubleshoot challenges.We have two great ways to connect! Sign up for the classic Peer Connect for a focused, one-on-one 30-minute chat with another member. We're also thrilled to launch a brand new option: Group Connect! This is your chance to join a small group discussion, share ideas in a collaborative setting, and learn from multiple perspectives simultaneously. 

Meet Kassandra QuinnThis month’s Member Spotlight features Kassandra Quinn, a social media strategist who brings nearly a decade of experience, a strong sense of perspective, and a thoughtful approach to building strategy that actually connects. For Kassandra, community has always been at the heart of doing this work well. “This job has really high highs and some low lows, so people who get it are key. This little community here and on social has been such a great space for that.”Beyond the Feed: Packing Cubes and PostcardsBefore diving deep into the social world, Kassandra took a career break to backpack through Asia. That experience broadened her worldview and turned her into a seasoned expert in packing cubes and overnight buses. These days, you’re more likely to find her tending her garden, in hot yoga, or baking something sweet. She’s also a big fan of sending snail mail—a small but joyful way to stay connected and creativ

Looking to connect with others who really get the challenges of social in your industry?We just launched the Higher Education Hub — a dedicated space in The Arb for social media professionals working in higher ed. It’s your place to connect with peers, swap strategies, and talk about everything from admissions campaigns to student engagement and reputation management.👉 Join The Higher Ed Hub HereAnd don’t forget — we also have: The Healthcare Hub 🩺

The latest episode of This Week in Social is here! Join me and ​@Jonathan Zuluaga as we unpack the latest happenings — from the latest in Instagram algorithm myths to AI-powered content creation tools you need to know about.🎥 Watch the episode:  📰 Explore the stories we cover:YouTube Adds More Generative AI Features to Shorts Instagram Promotes DM Translation and Scheduling Features for Business Users

Want to hear from you!What’s one unconventional tip, mindset shift, or process you’ve adopted that’s made a meaningful difference in how you approach social media strategy?Whether it's a small hack or a major "aha!" moment, your insights could inspire others—and earn you some exclusive Arb swag.🧢 Three lucky participant will be randomly selected to win Arb-branded goodies!👉 To enter: Drop your response in the thread below by Wednesday, July 16 at 11:59pm. For full terms and conditions, check here. Prizes include Arboretum socks, fleece blanket, Ringo water bottle for self recording,​​​pen and object following phone s

If you missed ​@Jenny Fowler’s webinar yesterday, here’s your chance to dive in.As MIT’s Director of Social Media Strategy, Jenny offered practical advice and strategic guidance tailored for higher ed marketers.🎥 Watch now:Chime in below — what’s one tactic you’re excited to try?

Hey everyone! Welcome to The Arboretum—so excited to have you join us!Let's kick things off and get to know one another! Feel free to answer any of the below and share a bit about yourself. 🌟 Introduce Yourself: Tell us your name, your role, and what got you passionate about social media.💻 Favorite Platform: Which social media platform do you find most captivating and why?🚀 Campaign Highlight: Share a standout campaign you've either worked on or really admired. What made it so perfect?💡 Expert Advice: What’s your top tip for crafting killer social media content?🔮 Future Trends: What do you think is the next big thing in social media, and how are you getting ready for it?🧠 Learning Objectives: What are your goals for learning and achieving within our community?

Hey everyone! Welcome to The Arboretum—so excited to have you join us!Let's kick things off and get to know one another! Feel free to answer any of the below  for a chance to win some cool Arboretum swag! 🌟 Introduce Yourself: Tell us your name, your role, and what got you passionate about social media.💻 Favorite Platform: Which social media platform do you find most captivating and why?🚀 Campaign Highlight: Share a standout campaign you've either worked on or really admired. What made it so perfect?💡 Expert Advice: What’s your top tip for crafting killer social media content?🔮 Future Trends: What do you think is the next big thing in social media, and how are you getting ready for it?🧠 Learning Objectives: What are your goals for learning and achieving within our communi

Meet Brendan McLaughlin!This month’s Member Spotlight features ​@brendan.mcl, a creative leader and digital strategist with more than ten years of experience helping businesses grow through the power of social media. Brendan believes digital marketing is about more than metrics. It’s about building meaningful connections that support long-term success.He’s passionate about learning, innovating, and sharing knowledge with others in the field. “Being spotlighted in the Arboretum is a chance to celebrate the work I love and inspire others to keep pushing boundaries in digital strategy.”Beyond the Feed: Broadway, Art, and a Love of PerformanceBrendan’s creativity doesn’t stop at content calendars. This year, he made his Broadway debut, singing backup for Kristin Chenoweth at the Roundabout Theater Gala. That unforgettable moment b